Bangladesh: Authorities impose nationwide curfew, ban gatherings in Dhaka, and deploy army as of early July 20 in response to violent protest activity /update 8

As of early July 20, authorities have imposed a curfew across Bangladesh, banned all gatherings in Dhaka, and deployed the army in response to violent student-led protests. Since early July, youth activists have staged various nationwide demonstrations, including railway and road blockades, to demand reforms to the public employment quota system and address other related grievances. As of July 20, the protests and associated violence have reportedly killed more than 100 people and injured thousands of others. The government has suspended several telecommunications and mobile internet services and purportedly shut down various local news outlets nationwide. Officials have instructed most academic institutions, including public and private universities, to close until further notice.

Several rallies, counterprotests, and clashes have occurred in urban centers such as Bogura, Chattogram, Dhaka, and Rangpur. Primary rally sites have included transportation hubs, university campuses, and major thoroughfares. In recent days, activists have committed acts of vandalism, including arson, in several areas, notably targeting vehicles and the headquarters of Bangladesh Television (BTV). On July 19, protesters reportedly stormed a prison in Narsingdi District, Dhaka Division, and released hundreds of inmates before setting the facility on fire. Reports also indicate that protesters have carried improvised weapons, including iron rods and steel pipes, in some regions. Additionally, authorities have asserted that a recent police raid on the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) headquarters resulted in the discovery of weapons and accelerants, including crude bombs, wooden and bamboo sticks, and bottles of gasoline.

The ongoing unrest has caused significant disruptions to business operations, passenger and freight rail services, and vehicular traffic, especially in Dhaka. Railway and highway blockades continue to occur sporadically in some areas, impeding transport on major routes, including in the capital. Clashes have also continued in several parts of the capital, including near the Gulshan-Badda Link Road. The Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the operator of the Dhaka Metro Rail, announced the temporary suspension of its operations from 17:30 June 18; it was not immediately clear when authorities would fully restore Dhaka Metro Rail services. Additionally, Maitree Express rail services between Dhaka and Kolkata, West Bengal State, India, are canceled through at least July 20. The US Embassy was also closed to the public on July 18 and only offered limited services on July 19. Flight disruptions have been reported at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) amid the unrest; additional flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, will likely affect DAC over the coming days.

Further protest activities of varying types, including transport blockades, will probably continue over the coming weeks. Student activists have also called for all institutions to participate in a nationwide shutdown strike; widespread commercial disruptions are possible if such a labor action occurs. Counterdemonstrations could materialize on short notice. Protest participation will vary by sponsoring entity and locale; tens of thousands of people may participate in some demonstrations. Activists typically stage marches between university squares and major intersections or public squares. In the capital, potential gathering sites include the University of Dhaka and Jagannath University campuses, the Raju Memorial Sculpture, and the Shahbagh area.

Authorities will almost certainly continue to maintain a heightened security presence in areas across Bangladesh. Depending on operational needs, officials may implement further security restrictions. Police could conduct mass arrests and use force - including baton charges, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition - to disperse unruly crowds. Additional clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of opposing groups, are highly likely. Further incidents of vandalism, including arson, cannot be ruled out. Localized transport and business disruptions will almost certainly affect areas subject to increased security, clashes, and vandalism. Diplomatic facilities, including the US Embassy, will likely announce additional closures in response to planned or ongoing large rallies.